Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, March 24, 2026

1 David Yakobson
From: Karen Melick <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 8:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; [email protected]; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln Subject: Agenda item 1, General Public Input, March 24th Council meeting

EXTERNAL
Hello City Manager Chi, Mayor Torosis and Council members, The Joint Use Agreement Provides Important Services to Santa Monica Youth and Residents The Joint Use Agreement with the school district that expires on June 30, 2027 provides important services to Santa Monica youth and residents. The CREST after school childcare and break programs were critical to me as a working mother. There are currently 141 classes in ActiveNet that the City is running at the middle and elementary schools. The field rentals provide advanced sports opportunities for many Santa Monica residents.

No Joint Use Agreement, No City Programs or Access
This all goes away if the City lets the Joint Use Agreement expire without negotiating a new agreement. You showed support for Joint Use by voting to extend the YY/GS Joint Use Agreement for Samohi and Los Amigos Park until 2038. Now you need to ensure that the City maintains joint use for the middle and elementary schools. The negotiations with the school district need to start now so that these vital programs continue.

Realignment Plan, Operating Budget Stabilization and Proposed Parcel Tax In the Realignment plan, the City proposed a parcel tax to replace the joint use payment, giving the City an additional $12M to address the projected deficits. The 2024-25 actuals report showed that the projected General Fund deficit of $11M ended up being a $2.5M surplus (Revenues less Expenditures), the second year in a row that there was a surplus. So, the General Fund is balanced even before any effects of the Realignment Plan and its $24M per year of new revenues or the addition of $12M which wouldn't be realized until the 2027-28 fiscal year. Yet a citizens group is putting a parcel tax measure on the ballot to provide replacement funding to SMMUSD. Six of you have endorsed this measure. If successful, this transfers the City’s commitment to SMMUSD onto property owners and Santa Monica residents.

SMMUSD Averaged $14M Surplus the Last 5 Years, Has Record Reserves SMMUSD averaged $14M in surplus the last 5 years. Reserves have quadrupled to $84M. This is because local revenues have increased 53% in the last 10 years from: the sales tax of $17.6M tied to the Samohi and Los Amigos Joint Use Agreement (that the City also gets $17.6M), excess property taxes (Basic Aid), $10M from measure GSH that started 2 years ago. Enrollment has decreased by 23% over the last 10 years. The MFUA $12M is not critical funding and the loss of this would not cause any teachers to be let go for fiscal reasons.

SMMUSD Property Taxes Increasing Significantly
If I had a dollar for every time I heard you talk about housing affordability, I might be able to pay my school district property tax bill which went up drastically this year. In 2025, school district taxes went up $865 for a $2M home. This was due to $200M of the $495M bond measure being issued. Now the parcel tax would add $495, in addition to the existing parcel tax of $530. In 2027 a $2M home would pay $3400 just to the school district, an increase of over $1400 over 2024. Then another big jump will come when the remaining $295M of bonds are issued.

Renters are Affected by Parcel Taxes and Bond Payments, Disproportional Burden on Lower Income Residents Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
2 Renters are also affected as SMMUSD taxes can be passed through. Parcel taxes and sales taxes are regressive taxes that put a disproportional burden on lower income residents. Over 20% of Santa Monica rental and homeowner households pay more than 50% of their income on housing. Adding this new tax to them literally takes food off of their table so that the City can increase the salaries of the City executives making more than $250,000 a year. That is not right.

No New Taxes on Santa Monica Residents
Do not foist the City’s commitment to SMMUSD permanently onto residents, many who are struggling financially due to inflation, job instability, increased taxes, and fees including Santa Monica parking fee increases and credit card fees. Affordability is the number one issue of Californians. The City’s financial position has stabilized and is moving in the right direction. Don’t make Santa Monica housing affordability worse. No new taxes.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Karen Melick
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March 24, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 6:30 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Today, March 17, 2026

EXTERNAL
Many brave entrepreneurs invest their life savings to open a business and provide job opportunities. Santa Monica's mayor and vice mayor say, "Santa Monica is open for business." We ask, "For whom?" Has the mayor or vice mayor ever operated a business or struggled to make payroll? FITCH Rating Outlook has downgraded Santa Monica to "NEGATIVE" from "STABLE" based on changing economic trends and performance. Would YOU
invest in Santa Monica for your own retirement fund if it were a stock? Please let us know.

Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV_Ca88Aghg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/6D7wJCm2OaA
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4 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 9:38 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Lunchtime yesterday at Santa Monica Police Station

EXTERNAL
17 months ago a Santa Monica Police Officer was stabbed in an unprovoked attack outside the police station. Has safety improved? Sense of safety and accountability has diminished, which is why UNREPORTED crime is up. In Santa Monica, "PUBLIC SAFETY" now means constructing more concrete barrier bike lanes, reducing parking spaces, and reducing funding for SMPD officers on the streets. God protect the lives of our SMPD officers interacting with the public behind bullet proof glass.

Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWJxVzHgr6b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/3U6QKkvqe6k
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5 David Yakobson
From: Hannah Laird <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 4:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a Santa Monica resident and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

We don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and city revenues that fund the services all of us rely on. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before any resident sees a benefit.

Most importantly, a strong majority of Santa Monica voters support keeping the airport while still having park space and businesses. I hope the City will take the time to pursue balanced solutions that preserve this important community resource while adding new public space and amenities for all Santa Monica residents.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Hannah Laird
Mid-City
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6 David Yakobson
From: HOUMAN SALEM <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

The Santa Monica Airport is a historic and valuable resource, and we don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and revenues. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents see any benefit.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Houman Salem
Ocean Park
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Jack _X <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 12:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Jack Arthur Abrams
Santa Monica Airport
Item 1
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March 24, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Tedd R. <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 8:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a Santa Monica resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Theodor Rossi
Venice beach
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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March 24, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 11:35 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Anytime Between 9 AM and 12 Noon on Easter Sunday

EXTERNAL
Stop by and join Coach Jackson, The Santa Monica Coalition, and KAUSE in REED PARK this Easter Sunday anytime between 9 AM and 12 Noon as we take a break from seeing needles and drug paraphernalia to watch happy faces of children and families. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos. Gift baskets, gift cards and packages of baby diapers will be provided to all in attendance. Coach Jackson's "Basketball Free Throw Contest" will also feature special prizes. We will be directly across from St. Monica Catholic Church at 7th & California.

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWMl-vimFNM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== X
https://x.com/TheSMCoalition/status/2035785883232907468 Item 1
March 24, 2026
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March 24, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Shane Murphy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Shane Murphy
Sunset park
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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11 David Yakobson
From: Lyn Combs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Su Lyn Combs
Pico
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Christian Boettcher <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Christian Boettcher
Mar Vista
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: LANCE FISHER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

The Santa Monica Airport is a historic and valuable resource, and we don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and revenues.

During natural disaster, SMO provides a local airport for landing and dispatch, search and rescue, emergency medical transport, law enforcement, aircraft refueling, and other first responder support.

If you are having a medical emergency, that helicopter that was always only 10 minutes away, is now 40 minutes away because they can no longer use the Santa Monica airport to refuel. I hope you are ok with that when it's your heart attack or your child is having trouble breathing.

This alone is a no-brainer. SMO's operation can save lives. Closing the airport in our complex living environment of So Cal is dangerous and foolish. Any other position to close the airport is not relevant.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Lance Fisher
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Lora Goldstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

The airport could be a massive revenue generator for the city if properly managed and ran. Which in return could help the libraries, renovate the Civic Center (which potentially could bring in more revenue for the city), and help fund expansion parks or new little parks across the city.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Josh Walters
Pico
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Faustin Carter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport. I do want a park and housing, but I also want a functioning runway, where general aviation pilots use unleaded fuel or electric aircraft, and we continue to have the irreplaceable resource that a small airport brings to the city.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Faustin Carter
Sunset Park
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Deidre Powell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Deidre Powell Wilson
North of Montana
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Dale Foss <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Dale Foss
Frequent Santa Monica visitor near airport
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Joel Milne <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Joel Milne
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Joe Nicoletti <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

DENSITY… CANT HANDEL IT
WORK ON KEEPING THE CITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS SAFE.

Sincerely,
Joseph Nicoletti
Joe Nicoletti
[email protected]
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March 24, 2026
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20 Be Generous In Whatever You Do
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:

This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and are protected by legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e-mail or any attachment is prohibited.

If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender at [email protected] and delete this copy from your system.

Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Alexander Alexandrov <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Alexander Alexandrov
Santa Monica
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Liza Jensen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Liza Lerche Jensen
Angel flight volunteer, West LA
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Bill Lasley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Bill Lasley
montana
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Planning Commission Comments
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 1:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Email about proposed housing project
Hey folks!
We received this email from a resident. Thinking it might fit best under Item 1 on the March 24 agenda? Thanks.

Ethan
From: Planning <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2026 5:54 PM
To: Planning Commission Comments <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Email about proposed housing project
From: ejs2514 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2026 3:34 PM
To: City of Santa Monica <[email protected]>; Planning <[email protected]> Subject: Email about proposed housing project

EXTERNAL
I received the email below regarding the planned housing project at 1402 Wilshire.

As a Santa Monica (Sunset Park) homeowner, I believe that the project is worthwhile, and should go forward. Increased residential density is a necessary step in Santa Monica's evolution into a sustainable city.
[There are several proposed multi-family projects in my neighborhood too, and I am in favor of all of them]
Best wishes,
Ed Salisbury
2514 30th Street
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Santa Monica Neighbors <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:24:09 AM PDT
Subject: Santa Monica residents: HUD comment deadline March 23 Dear Santa Monica Residents,
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
2 A quick note because we only have a short window before March 23.

If you have five minutes today, you can help ensure federal officials review concerns about the Tierra Apartments project at 1402 Wilshire Boulevard (corner of 14th & Wilshire).

Here is what you can do:

1. Visit the website
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/

2. Use the form letter provided (you may send it exactly as written or edit it in your own words) If you have a PC. You must copy and paste.

3. Send the letter to HUD officials reviewing the project

4. Forward this email to friends or neighbors in Santa Monica who may want to participate That is it. Four simple steps that take less than 3 minutes.

Quick Summary
The Santa Monica City Council committed approximately $20 million in public funds and cityowned land to the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation Tierra Apartments project at 1402 Wilshire Boulevard.

The city purchased the Unleashed building and transferred it to the developer while also authorizing additional taxpayer-funded gap financing.

Three council members who voted on the project had documented relationships with the developer or service providers connected to the project. These relationships were not disclosed during the approval process.

Residents now have an opportunity to submit comments directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before funds are finalized.

HUD must review objections submitted during this comment period.

Supporting documents and the form letter are available here:
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/
A Personal Note
We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has been involved.

Many residents have attended council meetings, reviewed documents, filed public records requests, and spent months trying to understand how this decision was made.

That work matters.

Because of that effort, there is now documentation, a timeline of events, and specific legal questions that federal officials can review.

Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
3 This is not about opposing housing. It is about ensuring that public funds are used responsibly, conflicts of interest are disclosed, and the rules governing federal housing funds are followed.

If you have a few minutes today, please consider submitting a letter to HUD.

Every submission becomes part of the review record.

And please forward this email to other Santa Monica residents who may want to participate before the March 23 deadline.

Thank you again for your time, your persistence, and your commitment to the community.

Sincerely,
Mid Wilshire Neighbors
Website with documents and form letter:
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/
Deadline to submit comments: March 23, 2026
Click here to unsubscribe
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Planning Commission Comments
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 1:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Email about proposed housing project
Hey folks!
We received this email from a resident. Thinking it might fit best under Item 1 on the March 24 agenda? Thanks.

EXTERNAL
I received the email below regarding the planned housing project at 1402 Wilshire.

If you have five minutes today, you can help ensure federal officials review concerns about the Tierra Apartments project at 1402 Wilshire Boulevard (corner of 14th & Wilshire).

Here is what you can do:

1. Visit the website
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/

2. Use the form letter provided (you may send it exactly as written or edit it in your own words) If you have a PC. You must copy and paste.

3. Send the letter to HUD officials reviewing the project

4. Forward this email to friends or neighbors in Santa Monica who may want to participate That is it. Four simple steps that take less than 3 minutes.

The city purchased the Unleashed building and transferred it to the developer while also authorizing additional taxpayer-funded gap financing.

Residents now have an opportunity to submit comments directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before funds are finalized.

HUD must review objections submitted during this comment period.

Supporting documents and the form letter are available here:
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/
A Personal Note
We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has been involved.

Many residents have attended council meetings, reviewed documents, filed public records requests, and spent months trying to understand how this decision was made.

That work matters.

Because of that effort, there is now documentation, a timeline of events, and specific legal questions that federal officials can review.

If you have a few minutes today, please consider submitting a letter to HUD.

Every submission becomes part of the review record.

And please forward this email to other Santa Monica residents who may want to participate before the March 23 deadline.

Thank you again for your time, your persistence, and your commitment to the community.

Sincerely,
Mid Wilshire Neighbors
Website with documents and form letter:
https://smtransparency2.netlify.app/
Deadline to submit comments: March 23, 2026
Click here to unsubscribe
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: s g <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:44 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Steve Ghobrial
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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March 24, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: DAVID STILLER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Stiller David
Ocean park
Best wishes ,
Dave Stiller
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3 David Yakobson
From: Widget Moore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am 4th generation Santa Monica, Venice, Marvista resident- I grew up with the airport and I love it! We live near it and my children love watching the planes and we feel safer living near it. Please keep it and continue the great history of our Santa Monica airport!
I am a Santa Monica resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

EXTERNAL
Dear Save Santa Monica Airport Team,
I’m writing to express our strong support for preserving and expanding the role of Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO). The attached IRS Form 990 from the Museum of Flying highlights the airport’s enduring educational and historical value, with its mission centered on aviation advancement and public engagement.

Beyond its cultural significance, SMO serves as a vital emergency backup during seasonal wildfire operations and supports commuter aviation. Its legacy as a manufacturing site for aircraft and aerospace components also positions it as a potential hub for future high-tech innovation and resilience infrastructure.

Preserving SMO isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about securing a flexible, responsive future for our region.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication.

Sincerely yours,
Cesar Estrada
All American War Veterans
Director/Founder
www.aawv.us
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954572190 Item 1
March 24, 2026
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5 David Yakobson
From: Sarah Machat <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Sarah Machat
Culver City
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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6 David Yakobson
From: James Oates <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
James Oates
Mid-City
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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1 David Yakobson
From: Jonathan Parzivand <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Parzivand
Brentwood
Thanks,
-Jonathan
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2 David Yakobson
From: Catherine Collins Bott <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Catherine C Bott
Sunset Park
Catherine Collins Bott, J.D., LL.M. in Taxation
214.289.6631
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3 David Yakobson
From: Jonathan Parzivand <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Parzivand
Brentwood
Thanks,
-Jonathan
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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4 David Yakobson
From: Grant Woods <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Grant Woods
Business owner Airport Avenue and Wilshire Blvd
GW
Please excuse my phone’s spelling
Item 1
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5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits. The Santa Monica Airport is a historic and valuable resource, and we don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and revenues. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents see any benefit. Most importantly, a strong majority of Santa Monica voters support keeping the airport while still having park space and businesses. I hope the City will take the time to pursue balanced solutions that preserve this important community resource while adding new public space and amenities. Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport. Thank you for your service to our community. Sincerely, Natalie Shaby West Los Angeles Item 1
March 24, 2026
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1 David Yakobson
From: DAVID ROSS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
David Ross
Pacific Palisades
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
Item 1
March 24, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Ray Gartsman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Ray Gartsman
Midcity
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1 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:03 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Empty Tables and Half-Full Tour Buses

EXTERNAL
At the end of the day, "oops, midday" at lunch on Santa Monica's Ocean Ave., across from Palisades Park. No mayor, city manager, council member, peace ambassador, Chamber of Commerce or Travel and Tourism CEO is around who truly cares or has our back. They discuss World Cup events, even the 2028 Olympics, but ultimately the Feds will safeguard residents, business employees, and hopefully, tourists.

Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWO39b9gtKV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/OaiuHjQTn8E
Item 1
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1 David Yakobson
From: James Luzano <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is. We don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and city revenues that fund the services all of us rely on. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before any resident sees a benefit.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
James Luzano
Pico
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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2 David Yakobson
From: Peter Leffe <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a Marina del Reybresident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Peter Leffe
Marina del Rey
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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3 David Yakobson
From: Evan Green <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Evan Green
ocean park

To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Evan Green | The MBS Group
Executive Vice President
M: 213.400.6060
[email protected]

Item 1
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4 David Yakobson
From: Dave Giammarco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
David Giammarco
Sawtelle
Item 1
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5 David Yakobson
From: Ehab Hanna <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Ehab Hanna
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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6 David Yakobson
From: Shelley Corwin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I’m a 40 year resident and own property here. I moved to SM because of its beach style with low rise, low density, nothing to pollute the air visually and environmentally. Sadly, it’s continuing to be destroyed by greedy, poor quality city development decisions and is going rapidly downhill. Certainly tourists don’t come here now with the well-known poor condition of 3rd street mall nor go to the half-empty main st area.

The entire airport area can CONTINUE TO sustain and profit from individual art studios and small businesses while staying open as an airport.

GOOGLE "THE TORPEDO FACTORY"
former U.S. Naval Torpedo
Station, a naval munitions
factory on the banks of the
Potomac River in Old Town,
Alexandria, Virginia, which was
converted into an art center in
1974.

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7 one of man similar developments globally.

The many successful business in Silicon Beach could contribute to an area dedicated to sports, art, culture and/or nature, with space for their own rotating exhibits, student workshops and community-oriented education that informs the public while helping to fund development. its tax deductible to them.

Has anyone explored funding through these businesses?
The development plans I’ve been sent for survey are unimaginative and out of date and sync with the realities of our communities. And impossible with no city funds.

KEEP THE AIRPORT AS THE HISTORICAL AIRPORT IT IS, AND DEVELOP IT WITH THAT FOCUS!! SMALL PLANES, NOT JETS, A SHOP FOR PILOTS, TOURIST AND RESIDENT

ATTRACTIONS
If the city would clean up our parks, deal with homeless in a positive, effective manner and protect the residents using our parks, there isn’t any need for another new one that will become an identical haven for homeless and garbage.

Housing the city won’t honestly admit it plans to add in the airport area will destroy the environment and increase traffic and pollution.

Thank you for your service to our community.Now please actually do your job FOR the benefit of the community, not developers and greed.

Sincerely,
shelley corwin
wilshire montana
Item 1
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8 David Yakobson
From: bill marley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a Santa Monica resident and I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
William Marley
Mid-City
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9 David Yakobson
From: Matt Pringle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Matthew Pringle
Marina Del Rey... Grew up on 23rd and Ashland and still consider Santa Monica “Home” Item 1
March 24, 2026
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March 24, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Robert Moore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
Keep the SM Airport for Student Aviation, Powered Gliders, Small Aircraft, EV Aircraft & Heliport, it makes ZERO sense to wave the these opportunities for the local community!:) I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Robert Moore
Santa Monica
Thank you,
<(•_•)>
Robert Moore
Silicon Beach Design Studio™ & LAB
至JOHNAVATAR.com™至
Santa Monica, CA 90402
USA
Email: [email protected]
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2 iPhone: (310) 488-8368
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3 David Yakobson
From: Adam Krepack <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I got the body of the email below (starting with I am a Santa Monica resident) from Spirit of Santa Monica. I agree with all of it but thought I’d add my own personal feelings here.

I regularly take my kids to the Museum of Flying (we’re looking forward to it reopening after the flooding issue) and to the airport observation area almost every week. They absolutely love watching the planes take off and land, and it’s become one of those simple experiences that means a lot to our family. It’s also something really special to have so close to home.

When I told my son the airport might be going away, he was genuinely upset and asked me to try to stop it. That’s what motivated me to write to you. The airport isn’t just a piece of land, it inspires curiosity and excitement about aviation for both kids and adults. It feels like an important part of Santa Monica’s identity, both historically and today.

I understand that the city is thinking carefully about how this space could be used in the future.

However, I would strongly encourage you to consider preserving the airport itself while focusing improvements on the surrounding areas. Keeping the airport while thoughtfully improving nearby community spaces could allow us to maintain something unique while still making progress for residents.

As a parent, safety and usability of public spaces matter a great deal to me. In recent years, many families feel that parks and public areas have become harder to enjoy because of safety concerns and the broader homelessness issue in the city. I know this is a complicated challenge, but it makes it difficult to support replacing a functioning airport with a large new park when many existing parks still need consistent maintenance, safety, and long-term solutions.

Please consider keeping the airport and looking for ways to improve and build around it rather than replacing it entirely. It’s a place that brings joy to many families, including mine, and I truly hope it can remain part of our community’s future.

I am a Santa Monica resident and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

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4 Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is. We don't want an irreversible decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and city revenues that fund the services all of us rely on. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before any resident sees a benefit.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Adam Krepack
Ocean Park
Sent from my iPhone
Item 1
March 24, 2026
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March 24, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Paul Plambeck <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: Preserve Santa Monica Airport: A Strategic Asset for Our City’s Future

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a longtime Santa Monica resident, a parent, and a technology leader to respectfully urge you to reconsider any decision to permanently close Santa Monica Airport (SMO).

SMO is not simply a parcel of land—it is a living part of Santa Monica’s identity. For more than a century, it has played a role in shaping the city’s connection to aviation, innovation, and progress. From its historical contributions during times of national need to its continued role in general aviation today, the airport represents a legacy that few cities are fortunate enough to possess.

Beyond history, SMO serves a practical and strategic purpose that is increasingly relevant in today’s world. In the face of natural disasters, infrastructure disruption, or broader geopolitical instability, local airfields like SMO provide critical resilience. They enable rapid response, emergency access, and logistical flexibility when traditional transportation systems are strained or unavailable. Removing this capability diminishes the city’s preparedness at a time when resilience should be strengthened—not reduced.

The airport is also a source of economic activity and opportunity. It supports local jobs, attracts business, and contributes to the broader ecosystem of Southern California’s aviation and technology sectors. At a time when cities are competing to lead in emerging industries, Santa Monica has a unique opportunity sitting in plain sight.

Rather than closure, I encourage the Council to consider a forward-looking vision for SMO—one that aligns with the future of aerospace and sustainable transportation. The aviation industry is on the cusp of transformation, with advancements in electric aircraft, advanced air mobility, and urban air transportation. Santa Monica could position itself as a hub for next-generation innovation—supporting pilot programs, partnerships, and responsible development in areas such as electric aviation and “air taxi” technologies. This would not only preserve the airport’s legacy but evolve it into something that defines the city’s future.

On a more personal note, SMO is a source of inspiration. My children watch planes take off and land, just as I once did. That simple experience sparks curiosity—about how things work, about exploration, about what’s possible. In a world where we are constantly trying to inspire the next generation toward science, engineering, and innovation, spaces like SMO play an irreplaceable role.

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6 Santa Monica has always been a city that embraces creativity, forward thinking, and opportunity.

Preserving and reimagining SMO is consistent with those values. Closing it would be a permanent decision that removes not only a piece of our past, but a platform for our future.

I respectfully ask the Council to reject efforts to shut down Santa Monica Airport and instead pursue a balanced, community-informed vision that preserves its benefits while addressing concerns.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Paul Plambeck
Santa Monica Resident (Sunset Park & Ocean Park)
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7 David Yakobson
From: Frank Prewoznik <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Frank Prewoznik
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March 24, 2026
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8 David Yakobson
From: Bill Price <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
William Price
Ocean Park
Sent from my iPad
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March 24, 2026
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9 David Yakobson
From: danilobach <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 16E - Parks and Recreation Commission appointment, 3/24/26

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Council Members,
For the past year I've had the pleasure of seeing Matt Goldenberg working with neighbors, their reps, and city staff to advance the welfare of our kids and their parents in Santa Monica and I want to tell you how impressed I am. Smart and thoughtful, Matt is consistently informed and shows great skill working well with others. He is an excellent candidate for the Parks and Recreation Commission and I look forward to his contributions.

Sincerely,
Danilo Bach
Board member, Noma
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10 David Yakobson
From: Lynn Sturgis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Susan Cline; Peter James; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected]; Oliver Chi; Council Mailbox
Subject: Subject: Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

As someone whose daily life is directly shaped by the airport and the surrounding area, I value the activity, jobs, and services it brings to our neighborhood. I am a volunteer for Angel Flights West - a crucial member of the vibrant health community in Santa Monica. We don't want an irreversible decision that can impact the local businesses and livelihoods right outside our doors. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents like me, the ones closest to the site, see any benefit.

Please listen to ALL residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport. I participated in most of the community meetings you held, and have filled out many surveys - always making my concerns known about the closure of the airport. I do not think you are listening to us all.

Times and needs have changed since 2014. Improvements and changes have been made by the airport that have lessened many of the initial concerns people had back then.

Sincerely,
Lynn A. Sturgis
Pearl and 25th
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1 David Yakobson
From: Rachel silverman <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Rachel Silverman
Sent from my iPhone
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2 David Yakobson
From: Clerk Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 1 - General Public Comment
“Santa Monica Airport is an irreplaceable aviation historic icon. It was chosen as a local airfield under government orders after giving the project to none other than Charles Augustus Lindbergh. He completed the assignment in choosing Santa Monica Airport in his own Ford motor airplane, he’s also the only pilot of the only plane Ford ever flew in.

Donald Douglas designed DC 2s and 4 during his time in aviation at Santa Monica Airport. I’ve seen the desk he worked at.

The neighbors around SAMO airport complaining about small aircraft coming in and out. If they’re unhappy, let them move. Let the land around the airport be significant as well.

Samo is one of a number of very special airports during the time of Charles Lindbergh. I strongly say, keep the airport open permanently.

I am the top historian and expert in the world on 3 of the 4 most famous tri-motor airplanes ever built.

One of those airplanes was built by my family. One relative was a contemporary of Charles Lindbergh.

As with the situation at LaGuardia, if you deny access to a small airport for small aircraft, bad things can come.

Once something like this is gone, you can never ever get it back.” --Carol “Cat” DuVall, aviation and Ford Motors historian Mitchell Kois
Staff Assistant III | City Clerk’s Office
(310) 458-8211 x5518
santamonica.gov
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
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3 David Yakobson
From: Rick Pollack <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,

RICK POLLACK
Mid city
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4 David Yakobson
From: Ralph Strahm <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Ralph Strahm
Sent from my iPhone
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5 David Yakobson
From: Mery Grace Castelo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Mery Grace Castelo
Montana Neighborhood
Mery Grace Castelo (she/her)
Director of Parent Relations & Special Events
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
1714 21st Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-582-4514
xrds.org

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6 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 2:58 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits. I am a pilot out of KCCB in Upland, CA and a visitor to KSMO.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Gary Christian
Pilot from KCCB, Upland, CA
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7 David Yakobson
From: Morrie Zager <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 3:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits. The airport proved invaluable during the wildfires of 2025 and would be equally important in the event of a catastrophic disaster such as an earthquake.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Morrie Zager
Woodland Hills
Sent from my iPhone
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8 David Yakobson
From: Yasmin O <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 3:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: We like the airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Council member,
I am a resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Airport makes a lot of money. We do not want more construction, more traffic and more abandoned space that may attract danger. Airport was used during emergencies such as the fire. People who think removing the airport will lesson noise do not understand what that airspace is providing to them. What do people who move near an airport expect? If they are concerned about their comfort or "safety", they can move..? If the airport closes it will allow others to fly lower with no oversight. More loss of jobs. There are plenty of vacant spaces around, make use of those instead of tearing down a historic site. If possible, make SMO airport officially a historic site.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Yasmin
Mar vista
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9 David Yakobson
From: Mark Holtzman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Mark Holtzman
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1 David Yakobson
From: Cliff Busick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 3:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

The Santa Monica Airport is a historic and valuable resource, and we don't want a IRREVERSIBLE decision that can impact jobs, businesses, and revenues. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents see any benefit.

Being in Law Enforcement for 30 years also makes me strongly believe that the “openness” this ‘park’ will create will cause a high amount of crime of all sorts to escalate in its space! Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Clifford Busick
Born & raised within a few miles of SMO
Sent from my iPad
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2 David Yakobson
From: Eric Kellner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 4:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Skip the boilerplate…………
I live in hot Upland and love flying in ( especially summer) to cool down and spend a bunch of money in your restaurants.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Eric Kellner
Upland
Sent from my iPhone
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1 David Yakobson
From: Jason Laird <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 4:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Jason Laird
Jason Laird
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2 David Yakobson
From: Scotty Weber <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 4:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Scotty Weber
KSMO
Sent from my iPhone
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March 24, 2026
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3 David Yakobson
From: Eman A. Adam <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 5:08 PM
To: [email protected]; councilmtgitems Cc: [email protected]; Santa Monica Airport Conversion Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT: March 23 Airport Commission - Support for Urban Forest & Fiscal Sustainability

EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica Airport Commission and City Planning Team, As a Westside resident and a parent, I am writing to formally submit my feedback on the Phase 3B Framework for the Santa Monica Airport conversion.

While I support the "Great Park" vision, I am deeply concerned by the push for expanded "Active Sports" districts. We must prioritize the Immersive Nature and Urban Forest districts as the dominant land use for the following reasons:

1. Averting a Fiscal Maintenance Crisis
We must prioritize long-term fiscal stewardship. The City is already facing a very serious funding gap for the Memorial Park expansion. Athletic complexes are not one-time investments; they are "forever bills." Beyond the high electricity costs for floodlights, artificial turf has a "replacement cliff" every 8–10 years, costing upwards of $500k per field to rip out and dispose of as non-recyclable hazardous waste. An Urban Forest is living infrastructure that appreciates in value, providing a benefit-to-cost ratio of over 5- to-1 through ecosystem services and energy savings.

2. Protecting Our Children’s Health & Development
As a parent, I know my kids have plenty of places to be active—we have Clover, Memorial, SMC, and Marine Park right here, not to mention our world-class beaches and sand volleyball courts. What our children actually lack is access to a true forest. For their mental health and cognitive development, they need space for unstructured play and imagination, not more fenced-in, scheduled drills.

Furthermore, we are just 6 miles from LAX—the 3rd busiest airport in the U.S. and a global air traffic hub.

Our children need a massive canopy of trees to act as a biological air filter against jet fuel particulates and urban smog. Our kids can only "play better sports" if they are breathing cleaner air.

3. Climate & Water Infrastructure
With 360 days of sun and rising regional fire risks—as evidenced by the Palisades Fire—we need a Regional Heat Sink. A forest can drop local temperatures by up to 3 F conversely, artificial turf can reach surface temperatures of 160 F to 200 F becoming a heat source that is literally too hot for children to use safely during the day. We must prioritize permeable surfaces to support the City's 100% water selfsufficiency goals.

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4 4. Social Equity and Public Access
This park is a matter of Social Justice. Many of our residents here do not have private gardens or shaded backyards. They deserve a world-class natural space where they can take their children to relax and decompress. A forest provides a "public living room" accessible to everyone, not just those enrolled in organized, fee-based sports leagues.

5. The Hangar Solution (Adaptive Reuse)
We have millions of square feet of existing hangars on the Urban Edge. I urge the Commission to utilize Adaptive Reuse to house indoor sports (pickleball, basketball, etc.) within these structures. This preserves the 190+ acres of outdoor land for its highest and best use: a regenerative urban forest.

Please can we ensure this is legacy project, a park for the next 100 years, not just a high-maintenance sports complex for the next ten.

Sincerely,
Eman
[Santa Monica/90403]
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5 David Yakobson
From: anthony princiotta <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 5:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Anthony Princiotta
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6 David Yakobson
From: ArmexAdventures <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:37 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11C - Santa Monica Realignment Plan Update: Proposed Remote Work Program Changes

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,

As a dedicated employee of the City of Santa Monica, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed restructuring of the Remote Work Program. While the City cites "consistency" and "equity" as the drivers of this change, the proposal, in its current form, will actively undermine the Organizational Health and sustainability goals the City has pledged to uphold.

I ask that you consider the following points before tomorrow’s vote:

Remote work has become a standard and effective practice across both the public and private sectors. Research consistently shows that remote and hybrid workers are as productive, often more so, than fully in-person employees. City staff have continued to deliver high-quality work under the current model, often working beyond standard hours to meet operational needs. At a time when compensation increases have not kept pace with staggering inflation, maintaining flexibility is one of the most meaningful ways the City can support recruitment, retention, and morale. The suggestion that remote work implies a lesser commitment to the City's mission is not supported by the evidence or by our track record. Rolling back flexibility risks negatively affecting morale, productivity, recruitment, and retention.

The "Equity" Paradox: The City defines equity as everyone working the same way. However, true equity acknowledges the disparate financial realities of our workforce. Most staff cannot afford to live in Santa Monica. Forcing longer commutes on those who cannot relocate is not only burdensome, it is a "commuter tax" that disproportionately impacts lower- and middle-income workers, families, and those in protected classes who live furthest from the City. Many of us face

1.5–3-hour round-trip commutes, with continued increasing gas costs in California’s expensive market. A policy that penalizes employees for living where they can afford to is, in effect, one that disproportionately impacts lower- and middle-income workers. Expecting office presence for those who cannot relocate is not only burdensome—it risks being discriminatory and at odds with the City’s DEI commitments. Remote work is a vital tool for economic inclusion.

A Stark Double Standard: The City clearly recognizes the local housing affordability crisis, as evidenced by the $5,000 monthly rental allowance ($60,000 annually) provided to the City Manager to live near City Hall. It is a contradiction to acknowledge this financial barrier for leadership while simultaneously removing the remote-work flexibility that allows rank-and-file staff, who receive no such housing subsidies, to manage the same crisis.

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7 Environmental Hypocrisy: Santa Monica is a leader in climate action. Forcing hundreds of employees back into daily gridlock directly contradicts our carbon reduction goals. Research shows that hybrid work (3 days remote) reduces an individual’s carbon footprint by nearly 30%.

Proven Performance: Remote work is the "new normal" and has been a standard, effective practice for us since the pandemic. Many of us regularly work beyond our regular schedule, including nights and weekends, to ensure City projects are completed. Our commitment is proven by our output, not by the chair we sit in. Additionally, team building, mentoring, and in-person collaboration are successfully taking place within our current flexible work schedule. Specific performance issues involving employees working remotely are handled by supervisors on a caseby-case basis through the disciplinary process and/or performance improvement plans.

Organizational Health & Retention: This proposed change also directly contradicts one of the City’s own Realignment Plan pillars: “Build Organizational Health: Create a distinctive culture, improve morale, invest in our people, and bring clarity to how we operate.” Reducing flexibility, increasing commutes, and eroding work-life balance will harm morale and retention rather than strengthen them. Proposing that staff take "administrative leave to seek other employment" if they cannot meet these new commute demands is the opposite of an investment; it is an invitation for our most talented experts to leave, and does not convey to staff that they are valued.

Rolling back a well-established remote work benefit without demonstrated performance problems, without meaningful wage offsets, and without genuine consultation with employees does the opposite of building organizational health. It damages morale, erodes trust, and sends a clear message to staff that their quality of life is expendable. You cannot build a healthy, high-performing organization by taking things away from the people doing the work. If the goal is truly a unified, motivated workforce aligned behind the City's mission, this proposal moves us in the wrong direction. The Council cannot credibly champion organizational health while simultaneously reducing the benefits that make this organization a place people want to work.

I respectfully urge you to vote against the remote-work modifications and to preserve our current hybrid model. Staff gave the City our hard work, expertise, and loyalty during the pandemic and beyond. We are committed to the success of this City, often working nights and weekends to ensure projects are completed. We ask that the City show the same commitment to us by maintaining the current work schedule.

To ensure the Council has access to the most recent data on municipal and corporate workforce trends, I have included links below to studies from the IMF, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and leading environmental law reviews. These sources demonstrate that the current Remote Work Program is a 'winwin' for the City's climate goals and its operational efficiency."

Thank you for your time and service to our community.

Sincerely,

Concerned Employee

Supporting Research Reference List
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8  Sustainability & Climate Action:
o Fordham Environmental Law Review (2024): "Full-time remote workers reduce carbon emissions by 54%, and even hybrid workers cut their carbon footprint by up to 29%." Link to Article
o Nature Cities / University of Florida (2024): A 10% decrease in on-site workers leads to a consequential annual reduction of 191.8 million metric tons (10%) in CO2 emissions from the transportation sector. Link to Study (Note: This link leads to the published study in Nature Cities).
 Economic Value & Productivity:
o International Monetary Fund (IMF) - F&D Magazine (Sept 2024): "Working From Home Is Powering Productivity." This research highlights that saving commute time (roughly 5 hours a week for hybrid workers) is a massive productivity and economic booster. Link to IMF Report
o U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2024/2025): BLS data confirms that as of early 2024, over 35 million Americans work from home, noting that flexibility is no longer a "perk" but a "productivity multiplier." Link to BLS Trends  Retention & Workforce Equity:
o Forbes / Forbes Advisor (2026): "Top Remote Work Statistics And Trends." Reports that 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time, and 42% of workers would leave their jobs if forced to return to the office full-time. Link to Forbes Advisor o Harvard Business School (HBS) Working Knowledge: Research shows that "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) workers are 4.4% more productive and benefit from increased real income by living in lower-cost areas. Link to HBS Research Summary

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9 David Yakobson
From: Robert Konuch <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Robert Konuch
Ocean Park/Penmar
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10 David Yakobson
From: Vivian Callahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 7:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Vivian Callahan
Ocean Park
Sent from my iPhone
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11 David Yakobson
From: Amy Wilson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

The Santa Monica Airport is an important resource for training the next generation of pilots, some of whom will go on to fly for the airlines.

The Santa Monica Airport is also important for fire fighting efforts and serves as a place that firefighting airplanes and helicopters can refuel and land safely, while fighting nearby fires.

The airport also is essential for people in rural areas seeking medical treatment, such as Angel Flights.

The airport is also a source of revenue from tourism, including pilots looking to fly along the Route 66 route. Aviation brings money to the local community, from outside the area.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Amy Jean Wilson
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12 David Yakobson
From: Yasser Hamed <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Yasser Hamed
Mar Vista
Yasser Hamed
www.yasserhamed.com
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13 David Yakobson
From: André Dressler <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I love this airport, the home of the iconic Douglas DC-3. I used to fly in to visit the Museum of Flight! Don’t forget that any airport is a huge asset when local catastrophes hit! I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Andre Dressler
Altadena
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14 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Council member,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Miles Mulligan
Culver City
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15 David Yakobson
From: Nick Kane <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Nicholas Kane
Cheviot Hills
Sent from my iPhone
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16 David Yakobson
From: kailash gounder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 6:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Kailash Gounder
South Pasadena
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17 David Yakobson
From: EnerBg LLC <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 7:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Most importantly, a strong majority of Santa Monica voters support keeping the airport while still having park space and businesses.

I hope the City will take the time to pursue balanced solutions that preserve this important community resource while adding new public space and amenities for those of us who live nearby.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Victor Batchkarov
Mar Vista
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
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1 David Yakobson
From: Alena Lehrer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 8:04 AM
To: City of Santa Monica
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Disruptive Noise concern - Early Morning Leaf Blowing at 270 Palisades Beach Rd

EXTERNAL
Dear City of Santa Monica,
I am writing to report an early morning excessive noise concern near 270 Palisades Beach Road.

Leaf blowing activity has been taking place adjacent to the condominium (on parking lot directly below residential windows) at approximately from 7:00 AM on March 24th. Three individuals have been simultaneously operating leaf blowers, creating a concentrated level of noise. The activity began around 7:00 AM and still ongoing as of 8:01 AM.

This noise has been disruptive, particularly during early morning hours. I would appreciate clarification as to whether this work is being conducted by a City crew or a private contractor, and whether it is authorized to occur at that time.

Additionally, I would appreciate confirmation as to whether this activity complies with the City’s noise regulations. If it is permitted, kindly provide information regarding the applicable exception or authorization.

For reference:

Location: 270 Palisades Beach Road
Date: March 24, 2026
Time observed: 7:00 AM – 8:01 AM (and still ongoing)
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Alena Lehrer
270 palisades beach rd
Unit 203
Santa Monica
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2 David Yakobson
From: Brianne Overton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Request for Reconsideration of 24-Hour Operating Permit

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I hope you are well. I am writing to respectfully request that the City Council revisit the 24-hour operating permit currently granted to Magic Wand Car Wash. The continuous, late-night noise generated by this facility has become increasingly disruptive to nearby residents, impacting quality of life and overall neighborhood well-being.

I understand from speaking to code compliance that there have been complaints in the past regarding noise generated from this business; and the issue remains unresolved for many who live in close proximity. The persistent disturbance during overnight hours is particularly challenging, as it interferes with sleep and contributes to unnecessary stress for those who call this area home. I am a new resident of 920 Marine and have been woken up several times already in the first month of moving in from patrons using the facility late at night. Last night at 2 am - I was forced to call the city of Santa Monica police department to deal with patrons who were washing their vehicle and blasting loud music for over an hour - waking up my family and impacting our lives.

If the goal is to support a healthy, livable community for everyone, I believe it is important to seriously reconsider whether 24-hour operations are appropriate for a business situated so close to residential properties. Limiting operating hours; or implementing stronger noise-mitigation requirements for any patron using the facility could significantly improve conditions for residents while still allowing the business to function successfully. On a personal note, I understand the same close attention as been paid to restaurant operating hours and noise complaints in this same neighborhood nearby very expensive single family homes - so I would hope that the City would also provide the same consideration for lower income, rent controlled residents living nearby this carwash.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing commitment to maintaining the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I respectfully ask that the Council prioritize this issue and explore a balanced solution that supports both local residents and the business community.

Sincerely,
Brianne Overton
920 Marine Street, Santa Monica
[email protected]
3108084988
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4 David Yakobson
From: Clerk Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 8:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport From: Kristin Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 8:16 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Kristin Jacobson
WilMont
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5 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 8:46 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Mayors, City Managers and City Councils Need to Go

EXTERNAL
Leaders in Santa Monica and LA do not enforce existing laws and pressure their Police Chiefs to stand down regarding open drug use, handouts, sales and camping. The WRONG people are behind security gates and barricades. Trips to the cleaners, school drop-offs, grabbing lunch, and even accessing your carport can be perilous, making both cities dangerous, day and night.

Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWRaxNKgmfm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/mXl5y8LOoYI
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6 David Yakobson
From: Jim Wilkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Jim Wilkins
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1 David Yakobson
From: Whitney Nielson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 9:04 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am a Los Angeles resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

As someone whose daily life is directly shaped by the airport and the surrounding area, I value the activity, jobs, and services it brings to our neighborhood. As a community, we don't want an irreversible decision that can impact the local businesses and livelihoods right outside our doors. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents like me, the ones closest to the site, see any benefit.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Whitney Gram
Westdale
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2 David Yakobson
From: Elena Popzlateva <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 9:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Elena Popzlateva
Mar Vista
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3 David Yakobson
From: Kelli <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 9:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Clerk Mailbox; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Kelli Urode
Mid Wilshire Neighborhood
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4 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 9:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport From: Kristin Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 8:16 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Kristin Jacobson
WilMont
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5 David Yakobson
From: Ron Berinstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 9:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Councilmembers: When Starbucks had to close stores (3) in Santa Monica, if it didn’t send a message to all, it should.

However, you have an opportunity to market your hotel, local businesses, restaurants, and your convention center.

YOUR OCEAN VIEW AND THE PIER should be promoted and the airport can make it easy for folks with money to arrive at Santa Monica without the congestion of LAX and spend their money IN SANTA MONICA whilst enjoying the ocean view from their hotel suites, the beach opportunities you create, the dining, and their sightseeing.

Maybe you think that's a silly notion. But look at the Hotel Dell Coronado. A few years ago, it was just a mismanaged historic venture for tourists. NOW, Hilton has turned the tables selling their beach options and the dining at every price level. WHY can they do that with a thousand dollars a night accommodation? THE OCEAN VIEW and innovative ideas. Certainly, not the hotel amenities themselves.

The Smart money says create sightseeing at the airport. Pilot groups will no doubt volunteer to help restore the rich heritage there (like the original Dell Building) - Market the available great businesses, and via innovation (just look at what Hilton did with minimal expense and thousands of twinkle lights at the Dell) design benefits from the Ocean Environment.

MARKET your opportunities! Sell the convenience of an executive airport concierge transportation service, and the accented historic references, to corporations that can use your convention space, or your hotel options, and that can reward their employees, or their clients, with a great experience.

Of course. you can destroy those options. You can ignore opportunities, do nothing for your community business, and do nothing to restore Santa Monica's profitable presence.

A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges.

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6 Most importantly, a strong majority of Santa Monica voters support keeping the airport while still having park space and businesses. I hope the City will take the time to pursue balanced solutions that preserve this important community resource while adding new public space and amenities.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport. This, particularly now with eVtol service pending, and commercial air service already in place.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Ronald Berinstein
Woodland Hills, CA
--------------------------------
Ron Berinstein CFII
FAA WINGS Pro - WINGS Master Pilot recipient
Affiliated with CP Aviation
Director/Webmaster scauwg.org website
Southern California Aviation United Working Group
We Make Safety and Airport Advocacy Happen
Visited by Thousands Weekly
(323) 394-1331
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1 David Yakobson
From: Oliver Kompst <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 11:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
Oliver Kompst
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1 David Yakobson
From: Alexandria Acosta <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 1:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Alexandria Settle
Santa Monica
Sent from Alexandria's iPhone, Please excuse any typos! Item 1
March 24, 2026
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2 David Yakobson
From: Aaron Gmail <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 1:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmember,
I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Aaron Griffin
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3 David Yakobson
From: Derek Spears <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 3:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Council member,
I am a Mar Vista resident who lives near the airport, and I am writing because I strongly support keeping the Santa Monica Airport open while exploring ways to expand park space and community benefits.

As someone whose daily life is directly shaped by the airport and the surrounding area, I value the activity, jobs, and services it brings to our neighborhood. We don't want an irreversible decision that can impact the local businesses and livelihoods right outside our doors. A park-only option creates enormous costs for the City at a time when Santa Monica is already facing serious budget challenges, and would likely take many years and hundreds of millions of dollars before residents like me, the ones closest to the site, see any benefit. I especially don’t want a project that will allow unlimited vertical, high density development in the area, something the airport with its height restrictions currently prevents. I also am cognizant of the increased traffic and density that events like Frieze Art bring, compounding traffic and parking issues. Those issues will become permanent rather than a singular event with the closure of the airport, and the inevitable increases in traffic that will bring.

In the same way the City Council listened to its constituents to keep the Santa Monica Pier open in the 1970s, please again listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Derek Spears
Mar Vista
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4 David Yakobson
From: Bryan Neville <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 3:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Bryan Neville
Ocean Park
--
Bryan Neville
Promoter, DJ, Producer
C: 567-228-9529
E: [email protected]
W: bryanneville.com
IG: bryanneville
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5 David Yakobson
From: Stephen Lee <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 5:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Susan Cline; Peter James; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE Agenda Item 1 Please Listen to Residents on the Future of the Airport

Even though I don't live right next to the airport, it matters to me as part of what makes Santa Monica the city it is.

Please listen to residents and avoid rushing toward closing the airport.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,

STEPHEN LEE
Sunset
Sent from my iPhone
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Santa Monica City CouncilMarch 24, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
March 24, 2026